Hebrew Blessings for English speakers

Please note: I use ‘ch’ in for the letter ‘chet’ or ‘chaf’ when writing Hebrew in Latin letters. Both the ‘chet and the ‘chaf’ have a guttural sound that is as though you would be clearing your throat.

Please note: There is no ‘o’ sound in Hebrew as you would normally pronounce the letter ‘oh’. There are three ‘oo’ type sounds in Hebrew. For our purposes we will use just two as one of the sounds is very similar. The first is an ‘oo’ as one would say when complaining of a sore stomach and will be written as such. The second is ‘o’ is the same sound that one would use when saying ‘orthopedic’. It is a short round ‘o’ and one of the most common Hebrew pronunciation errors made by English speakers.

Please note: When translating the prayers I will be doing a literal translation. This may differ slightly from the English prayers as found in the Siddur.

“Mode Ani” Mode ani mi lefanecha melech chai ve kaiyam, sh’hechzarta bi neshmati b’chelma – raba emunatecha.

Before you I thank you living and existing king, that you returned to me my soul with compassion – great is your faithfulness.

“Ma Tovu” Ma tovu elohecha Ya’akov, mishkanotecha Israel. Ve ani b’rav chasdecha ohavu et beitcha ve ishtachave el yechol kadshecha beiratcha. Adonai ahavti maon beitcha, ve makom mishkan kvodcha ve ani istachave ve echra’a lifney Adonai osayi. Ve ani tiflati lecha Adonai, et ratzon, elohim b’rav chasdecha aneni bemet yeshuacha.

How good are your tents Jacob and your dwellings Israel. I, by Your great kindness will enter Your House, I will prostrate myself toward your sanctuary in awe of You. Adonai, I love the House where you dwell and the place where your glory resides. I shall prostrate myself and bow, I shall kneel before Adonai, my maker. As for me, may prayer be timely Adonai. Adonai in your great kindness may you answer me with truth and salvation.